Conservative members of the House committee on fisheries and oceans are expressing worries about the establishment of marine protected areas by the federal government to achieve its conservation targets by 2030. They are concerned that fishermen in their coastal constituencies have not been consulted and fear that the plan could lead to the closure of fishing grounds, impacting their livelihoods.
During a recent committee meeting, Aaron Gunn, the Conservative MP for North Island-Powell River on Vancouver Island, voiced strong dissatisfaction with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). Officials from the DFO, Parks Canada, Department of the Environment, and the Office of the Auditor General of Canada refuted claims that all fishing activities within marine protected areas would be prohibited. However, they acknowledged the need for better engagement and communication with the fishing industry.
Kathy Graham, the director general of marine planning and conservation at DFO, emphasized the importance of clearly defining conservation goals and evaluating human activities in protected areas. Fishing is permitted in many marine protected zones, with restrictions only in areas where it may conflict with conservation objectives.
Conservative MP Clifford Small from Central Newfoundland raised concerns about the 30×30 conservation objective, which aims to protect 30% of Canada’s land and water by 2030. He highlighted issues with promises made to fishermen regarding fishing activities in the St. Anns Bank Marine Protected Area in Nova Scotia, where commercial fishing is mostly prohibited despite prior assurances.
Questions were also raised by Conservative MPs regarding the scientific basis of the 30×30 goal. Officials clarified that the target originated from the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework agreed upon at the COP15 United Nations Biodiversity Conference in Montreal. The framework aims to address climate change and biodiversity loss by committing countries to protect 30% of the Earth’s land and water by 2030.
Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Jerry DeMarco explained that while the 30×30 target involved negotiations, it was a response to the failure of lower conservation percentages in the past to address biodiversity loss effectively. The U.S. is currently ahead of Canada in meeting the 30×30 targets, but Canadian officials remain optimistic about achieving the goal.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans for the federal government to unveil an updated national nature strategy to fulfill Canada’s biodiversity commitments. The committee is set to commence a study on marine protected areas in the upcoming year.